Chennaiyin FC Secures First Point in ISL 2026 with Draw Against Odisha FC

Chennaiyin FC secured their first point of the ISL 2026 season with a spirited draw against Odisha FC. The match saw Elsinho score the opening goal, but Odisha equalized later. Both teams had their chances, with Chennaiyin pushing for a late winner. This performance sets the stage for their upcoming match against Kerala Blasters. Read on for a detailed analysis of the game.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 1, 2026, 22:20 IST

Chennaiyin FC's First Point of the Season

Chennaiyin FC earned their inaugural point in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026 season after a hard-fought draw against Odisha FC on Sunday. The Marina Machans took the lead just before halftime with Elsinho scoring his first goal in the ISL, and they showcased a dynamic performance in the second half, creating numerous scoring opportunities at Kalinga Stadium.

Strategic Changes in the Lineup

Head coach Clifford Miranda made two notable adjustments to the starting lineup, bringing Farukh Choudhary into the attack and giving Maheson Singh his first league start, where he partnered with Mohammed Ali Bemammer in midfield.

Strong Start and First Goal

Chennaiyin entered the match with confidence, having previously remained unbeaten against Odisha last season and winning two of their last five encounters. This confidence was evident as they quickly sought to dominate the game.

Within the first six minutes, a well-coordinated play saw Mandar Rao Dessai break down the left flank, but his cutback was cleared before reaching Inigo Martin. Shortly after, Alberto Noguera set up Irfan Yadwad, whose attempt was thwarted. From the resulting corner, Farukh seized a loose ball and fired a powerful volley that was bravely blocked.

Chennaiyin's strategy of utilizing width effectively stretched Odisha's defense, with Maheson combining well with Martin on two occasions, although neither resulted in a goal.

The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time when Farukh's corner was met by a powerful header from Elsinho, marking the club's first goal of the season and giving them a 1-0 lead. Shortly after, goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz made an impressive save to maintain the lead.

Odisha FC Equalizes

Chennaiyin maintained their attacking momentum after the break, substituting Imran Khan and Lalrinliana Hnamte in the 57th minute for Irfan and the impressive Maheson. Just after the hour mark, Martin made a clever run into the box but narrowly missed the target.

Klusner Pereira replaced Farukh as Chennaiyin aimed to sustain their offensive pressure. However, against the run of play, Odisha equalized in the 68th minute when Carlos Delgado scored with a header.

Chennaiyin quickly responded, with Imran attempting a long-range shot and Martin nearly converting a dangerous cross. As the match progressed, Vivek S and Gurkirat Singh were brought on as Chennaiyin pushed for a late winner.

In stoppage time, Gurkirat was brought down in the box, but the penalty appeals were dismissed. Shortly after, Laldinliana Renthlei delivered a cross that found Imran close to the goal, but his header went over the bar, forcing Chennaiyin to settle for a draw.

Looking Ahead

With their first point secured, the Marina Machans will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare to face their rivals, Kerala Blasters, on March 7.